Jessica Holmes

Comedian / Actress / Writer

Jessica Holmes, a favourite on CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce, has brought the house down opening for such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld and Leslie Nielsen. She is a successful comedian, writer, actress, and speaker and always leaves audiences in stitches with her interactive humour and vivacious energy.

Raised in Ottawa, she moved to Toronto in 1993 to attend Ryerson University, where she majored in writing. After graduating, Jessica began performing stand-up and comedic monologues at local clubs. She was immediately recognized for her ability to transform herself into dozens of hilarious characters.

In 1999 Jessica landed several appearances at the Just for Laughs international comedy festival in Montreal. Jessica joined Toronto's legendary Second City where she co- wrote and performed in two shows. During those years, she made numerous television appearances and was nominated for several Canadian Comedy Awards for her TV and sketch comedy work.

Holmes co-wrote and starred in the Comedy Network series The Itch, and the CTV comedy/music series Sonic Temple. She went on to write and star in her own one-hour comedy special for CTV titled Holmes Alone. For the special, Holmes received a Gemini nomination as well as the Platinum Award at the Houston International Comedy Festival.

The success of Holmes Alone led to the creation of The Holmes Show, a hilarious Carol Burnett-style sketch comedy series involving celebrity parodies and edgy satire. Her comedic high-jinks and knack for skewering celebrities such as Céline Dion, Liza Minnelli and Britney Spears, along with her original creations, amuse even the most straight-faced audiences.

Holmes is currently developing a sitcom and writing a book. When not working or spending time with her husband Scott and two young children, she continues to promote causes close to her heart. Her grace, bilingualism, and ability to react on the fly make her a natural live performer.